Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Euterpe oleraceae
Common Names
- Acai berry
- Acai palm
- Cabbage palm
- Palm berry
Parts Usually Used
Berries
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Acai Berries
The acai plam tree grows to a height of up to 60 feet. The berries are about the size of blueberries and are dark purple. The taste is a cross between chocolate and red wine.
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Where Found
Acai berries grow on the acai palm tree that grows in the Brazilian ranforests.
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Medicinal Properties
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that acai has antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic effects.
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Biochemical Information
- Acai Fruit
- Flavonoids: Anthocyanins (ACNs), Proanthocyanidins (PACs)
- Fatty acids: Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Linoleic acid
- Acai Seed
- Procyanidins, Protocatechruic acid, Epicatechin
Uses
Acai has shown promising results in studies as an atioxidant, an anti-inflamatory and it seems to help prevent cancer. It also seems promising in tests as an MRI contrast agent.
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How Sold
Juice, powder & capsules
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Warning
Acai may interact harmfully with other cancer-fighting medications, and if you are on chemotherapy, it could interfere with the chemo medications. Consult your oncologist befoer taking acai.
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Resource Links
Sacred Herbs of the Amazon: What Shamans Know That Science is Just Discovering
LiveStrong.com: Acai Berry and Insomnia
LiveStrong.com: Acai Berry & Skin
LiveStrong.com: Acai Berry & Acne
eHow.com: Acai Berry Supplement Facts
LiveStrong.com: Herbs to Fade Discoloration
Medical News Today: Acai Facts
University of Florida News: Acai Berry
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center: Acai
PubMed.gov: Innovations in natural ingredients and their use in skin care.
